Friday, December 14, 2007

Quite a challenge


Bellezza at Dolce Bellezza is hosting a wonderful challenge, The Japanese Literature Challenge, which runs from November 30th through January 3oth, 2008. The parameters are that you have to read three pieces of Japanese Literature, from any genre, and post your opinions on your blog.

I'm a little late in joining in, but I am going to try to do this one--though I'm not sure how far I'll get.

There are so many amazing pieces of Japanese literature out there--this is just the push I need to get reading some of them. And Bellezza is offering gorgeous prizes, by the way. So I have to urge you to join in, too!

I'm going to start by blowing the dust off something that's been on my bedside table for months: Haruki Murakami's The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle. Then I'll see what else strikes my fancy--there are so many great books to choose from.

And if you are thinking you want to do this but aren't sure what to read, Bellezza has put together a nice list of Japanese literature on her blog.

10 comments:

tanabata said...

Bellezza's challenge has been just the thing to get me reading more Japanese Lit. Wind-up Bird Chronicle is pretty dense but I enjoyed it when I read it.

Gentle Reader said...

tanabata--I feel the same way--I'm so glad Bellezza is getting me motivated to read more Japanese lit! I'll let you know what I think about the Murakami...

Bellezza said...

I'm so glad you two are participating! It couldn't be a challenge without your input. Plus, you both will explain Murakami's short stories to me, won't you?

Gentle Reader said...

bellezza--Hee hee, don't count on me to explain Murakami! Maybe tanabata can explain to both of us! Thanks for hosting :)

Bookfool said...

I've read just a little bit of The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle and then I ground to a halt, but I liked the scene with the spaghetti and the phone call so much that I read it twice. I've got to get back to that one. Can't wait to hear what you think of it!

Anonymous said...

Ho ho ho! I want to wish you a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. I've been traveling through Southeast Asia and am now arriving in Hong Kong to be with my family. I haven't kept up with reading blogs. But I'll take a peek whenever I have a chance. I have read 3 books by Maugham and have completed the Armchair Traveler Challenge. Yay!

reader kay said...

Looking forward to hearing about the Wind-up Bird Chronicle. I could use some insight into that book.

Gentle Reader said...

bookfool--uh oh, I think the Murakami is going to be a challenge for me...I'll let you know what I think!

matt--happy holidays to you, too! I've been traveling (much more locally) too, so I haven't kept up with blogging at all. But I'm looking forward to it. I finished one Maugham, too!

reader kay--I hope I have some insight for you--so far, I doubt it!

maggie moran said...

Sounds like a challenge I need to do!

Just stopped by to wish you a Happy New Year and Happy Reading in 2008! :D

Gentle Reader said...

maggie--thanks and Happy New Year to you, too!